Lincs hotshot Steve fires team to European glory

BROCKLESBY shooter Steve Thornton is celebrating hitting the target again – after helping Team GB win gold at the European Championships in London.

He had already been selected for the squad that will compete at the World Championships in New Mexico next year – and he justified his place with a good display in the capital.

He put in a solid performance in the individual category, finishing 13th out of 200 competitors from across the continent.

Thornton said: "It was brilliant to be a part of it. There's an immense feeling you get from competing with some of the best in Europe, and obviously there's a lot of pride involved."

At the end of the first day in competition, he held the lead at the top with a four-point gap over the chasing pack, but difficult conditions on the second day meant that lead disappeared and he eventually finished 13th.

When asked about his contrasting days' fortunes, he said: "At times it was easy to get frustrated. I just had one of those days. You have to be so accurate, and getting even a couple of off-shots changes the whole game."

Thornton is pleased with the overall result, and says it has boosted his confidence for future competitions.

"I'm not even sure I really wanted to win, because for me I feel it would have been too early on in my career," he continued.

"It's definitely made me feel good about my shooting and, to be honest, I think I'm quite capable of winning next year."

His performance in this year's competition helped Great Britain win the team gold, which was confirmed after a marginal victory over Ukraine.

They finished top of the pile ahead of the likes of Germany, Spain and Italy.

Accuracy was a challenge at times. Wind speeds of up to 25mph made shooting difficult, but Team GB members held their nerve to take the championship glory.